Iraq

During the general audience, dedicated to a reflection on Lent as a time of conversion, and in particular to charity, Benedict XVI launched an appeal for the population of Chad, asking that they be guaranteed assistance and that the path of dialogue be chosen.

In his message for this most important of moments in the life of the Church, Benedict XVI warns against worshipping wealth, urging us to use it for global solidarity whose lack is strengthening groups like al-Qaeda. Giving oneself is the best and least noisy ways of giving onto others.

The measure was not signed by the Sunni vice president, who thinks that it opens the way to possible vendettas and is contrary to national reconciliation.

After a series of grave attacks, the Iraqi government launches a vast military operation with the United States to "cleanse" the capital of the province of Nineveh. But for some of the authorities and for the population, "it is too late": the city has been in terrorist hands for four years, and they have infiltrated every level of society.

Invited by "Aid to the Church in Need", the Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk participated last week in meetings in Germany to sensitise Europe on the problems of Christians in Iraq. He explains that in order to contain the "mortal exodus" of the community, before words and economic offers, a serious effort is needed on the part of the Iraqi Church: for internal organisation, negotiations with the Kurdish government, and a new military impulse. "Without fear!".

The “symbolic recognition” is meant to acknowledge the hundreds of scholarships that are given out every year by “Aid to the Church in Need,” the organisation Father van Straaten founded. The naming ceremony is scheduled to take place next Thursday, fifth anniversary of his death.

All markets have plunged some up to -8%. Mumbai stock exchange closes for an hour due to heavy losses. Chinese banks in difficulty. According to Soros it is the worst financial crises since the Second World War.

Markets fall, some by more than 6%. Chinese banks forced to cover American mortgage debts. Lack of confidence in the plan unveiled by President Bush last week.

In Damascus, Caritas Syria is inaugurating a new programme that will offer free instruction to more than 450 girls, without regard to faith. Often, because of economic difficulties and the lack of room in the public schools, many young female refugees are forced to work under conditions of exploitation, even including prostitution. An effort to stem the humanitarian crisis for the Iraqis in Syria.

The International Monetary Fund praises the nation’s economic progress and forecasts a notable increase in oil production and the GDP of 2008. The UN secretary general also praises the level of security reached but warns: better results are necessary in the political field.

The car bomb struck the Chaldean church of the Immaculate Virgin, in the ancient part of the city. Two persons were wounded. It is the fourth attack against Christian targets in Mosul in just 11 days. The Shiite community was also struck: suicide bombers killed 10 among the faithful on pilgrimage for the Ashura.

Bishop Rabban al-Qas and Archbishop Louis Sako meet with Gianni Vernetti, undersecretary for foreign affairs. From the government of Kurdistan, a request for an end to Turkish aerial attacks.